Ann Mary Hartney

Durango resident Ann Mary Hartney died of breast cancer Friday, March 29, 2013, at her home. She was 52.

Ms. Hartney was born to Thomas C. and Sheila “Shelly” Hartney on Sept. 23, 1960, in Evanston, Ill. After graduating from high school in East Grand Rapids, Mich., she earned a bachelor’s degree from Hope College in Holland, Mich., and a master’s degree in communications from Idaho State University in Pocatello.

Ms. Hartney began her working life as a field executive for the Girl Scouts in Pocatello.

Upon moving to Durango in 1996, she taught composition and speech at Fort Lewis College for 10 years, worked for the Victim Witness unit at the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and most recently had been an editor for the Tribal College Journal in Mancos.

“Ann was a passionate genealogist,” her family said. “She spent countless hours absorbed in researching family histories for her own family and for friends. She rescued pictures and memorabilia from estate sales and auctions and worked at finding the families they needed to go to.”

Ms. Hartney is survived by her partner of 24 years, Renee Adam, of Durango; mother, Sheila “Shelly” Hartney, of Durango; sisters Cathleen Hartney of Durango and Laura Hartney of Fremont, Calif.; brother, Charles Hartney, of Aurora; and one niece and two nephews.

No service will be held.

Memorial contributions may be sent to KSUT Public Radio, P.O. Box 737, Ignacio, CO 81137.